Western Sydney Wanderers Ninja A-League head coach Geoff Abrahams believes his side is only beginning to scratch the surface of its potential, with the Red & Black continuing to build connections ahead of Saturday’s clash against Brisbane Roar at CommBank Stadium.
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Following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Melbourne Victory in their season opener, Abrahams remains optimistic about the direction of his refreshed squad, pointing to encouraging signs in their opening performance and the growing chemistry within the group.
Speaking to the media ahead of the Wanderers’ first home double header of the 2026/27 season, the head coach acknowledged there was still work to be done but was confident the foundations were already taking shape.
“We were good. I thought there’s lots of positives. We didn’t really get going in the first half,” said Abrahams.
“It’s going to take us time. It’s quite a new squad and we’re still building that connection. So I think that’s going to take time before you see the best of us.
“But having said that, we created chances. We out-possessed a really good team, a really well-coached team. So we took a lot of positives out of it. Just disappointed not to get something out of it.”
The Wanderers enjoyed the greater share of possession against Victory and grew into the contest as the match progressed, creating opportunities in the second half but ultimately unable to find an equaliser.
With a number of new arrivals joining the Red & Black during the off-season and international commitments limiting the squad’s time together, Abrahams believes patience will be important as his players continue to develop an understanding of one another.
However, while combinations on the pitch remain a work in progress, the head coach has been particularly encouraged by the relationships already forming away from football.
“We really only had everyone for two weeks. It’s been tough in that sense, but they’ve come together very, very quickly,” said Abrahams.
“It’s a really great group. They’re excited to share each other’s company. So it’s been really nice to watch.
“On the field, it’s just going to take time. I think off the field they’re already great friends, so I think it’ll come pretty quickly because of that.”
Attention now turns to Brisbane Roar, with the Wanderers preparing for another important test against a side known for its commitment to developing emerging talent and playing positive football.
Abrahams sees similarities between the two clubs’ approaches and is looking forward to the challenge of facing the Queensland outfit in front of the Wanderers faithful.
“They’ve played a really nice brand of football and giving young players a go, which is similar to what we do,” said Abrahams.
And it doesn’t look like anything’s changed there. So I’m excited to see what they throw at us and we’ll be ready for that.”
Beyond the football, Saturday will also mark a significant occasion for the club, with both Wanderers teams returning to CommBank Stadium for the first home double header of the season.
The Ninja A-League side will open proceedings against Brisbane Roar at 2:15pm before the Wanderers Men take on Auckland FC at 5:00pm.
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For Abrahams, the afternoon represents an opportunity to bring the entire Wanderers family together, with the head coach encouraging supporters to arrive early and create an atmosphere that reflects the strength of the club’s community.
“It’d be great to see everyone there early. I hope all my academy girls can get there as well, but it’d be great to see the RBB,” said Abrahams.
“We’re one club and everyone supports each other really well, so hopefully that happens.”
With a squad growing stronger together, a head coach confident in the direction of his team and the backing of the Red & Black faithful, Saturday presents another opportunity for the Wanderers Women to take an important step forward.
And while Abrahams believes the best of his side is still to come, the message ahead of their return to Wanderland is clear: the foundations are being built, and the belief is already there.
